The Most Dangerous Thing You Can Do At Work

May 8, 2019, 3:14 PM

In 2017, more than 320,000 construction workers nationwide suffered injuries on the job, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that of the top 10 standards violated by U.S. businesses in 2018, four had one thing in common: Falling. 

1. Fall protection, construction
3. Scaffolding, general requirements, construction
6. Ladders, construction
8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements

Falling is a common hazard in workplaces across the country, leading to severe injury and even death. Even if you spend your day in front of a computer, you could still be at risk. What plans are in place at your business if one of your employees or guests falls or has another medical emergency? Can you do more than type 911 into a phone?

In this case, a medical emergency is personal, like a broken bone or fainting. A workplace emergency, like a chemical spill or explosion, calls for a different but equally significant kind of response.

Hastings Mutual offers the FirstCall Work Injury Hotline to its workers’ compensation policyholders. If you or someone at your worksite calls the hotline, you’re connected to a medical professional who gives instructions over the phone on what to do: it could be taking a moment to rest, ice, a trip to the hospital, or nearly anything else. It’s a way to get vital information right away, and for employees (and their business) to avoid unnecessary, expensive emergency room visits.

You can learn more about the FirstCall Work Injury Hotline on our website. But you can help prevent hazards in the first place by taking time to make sure your workplace is safe as it can be. Here are a few ideas for improving your office, factory floor, or job site.

• Enforce breaks and lunches — common workplace distractions that lead to injury include fatigue and cell phone use when the user should be concentrating on another task
• Have employees with up-to-date CPR and first aid training
• Make sure everyone at the worksite knows where to find a complete first aid kit
• Place emergency contact information in a readily available location
• Teach employees where building exits are and reinforce the need to wear proper safety equipment